Definitions

gǎi (verb) to change; to alter; to modify
gǎi (verb) to correct; to fix

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "改" is structured from the components 己, meaning self, and 攵, which conveys an action like striking or prompting, thereby etymologically implying a notion of self-directed correction or change. Its original meaning centered on the act of rectifying or reforming oneself, which over time extended to include any intentional alteration or amendment, whether applied to behavior, objects, or systems. This semantic evolution from personal improvement to broader modification has allowed the character to adapt to diverse contexts while preserving its inherent sense of purposeful adjustment, and its graphical form has remained stable, reflecting the continuity of its conceptual basis.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

了主意。

Wǒ gǎile zhǔyì.

I changed my mind.

了我的作业。

Tā gǎile wǒ de zuòyè.

He corrected my homework.

正这个错误。

Qǐng gǎizhèng zhège cuòwù.

Please correct this mistake.

我们需要变计划。

Wǒmen xūyào gǎibiàn jìhuà.

We need to change the plan.

进了技术。

Tā gǎijìnle jìshù.

He improved the technology.

这本书被修过了。

Zhè běn shū bèi xiūgǎi guòle.

This book has been modified.

政府革了政策。

Zhèngfǔ gǎigéle zhèngcè.

The government reformed the policy.

他决心变自己的习惯。

Tā juéxīn gǎibiàn zìjǐ de xíguàn.

He is determined to change his habits.